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Law Office of Rico Lively

Workers Compensation

Workers' Compensation Claims: Getting What You’re Owed After a Workplace Injury

When you’re injured on the job, navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation system can be overwhelming. Rico Lively is committed to ensuring that injured workers receive the full benefits and compensation they're entitled to. Rico will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

Call Rico Now 561-801-8966

What Are Workers' Compensation Claims?

Workers' compensation provides benefits to employees injured on the job, covering medical bills, lost wages, and more. Rico handles a wide range of workplace injury claims, including:

Physical Injuries

Broken bones, back injuries, repetitive strain, and similar workplace injuries.

Occupational Diseases

Illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

Psychological Injuries

Mental health issues caused by traumatic or stressful work experiences.

Third-Party Claims:

Additional compensation for workplace injuries caused by third-party negligence.

Potential Benefits of Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation provides various benefits to employees injured at work. Rico ensures you receive:

Medical Benefits

Workers' compensation covers a wide range of medical treatments necessary for your recovery, including surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any other medical care related to your injury. The workers’ compensation insurer is responsible for providing and paying for this care. Rico will fight to get you the appropriate medical care and do everything to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Lost Wages

In Florida, workers' compensation typically covers 66 2/3% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage for time off due to injury. The amount is based on the wages earned in the 13 weeks before your injury. Rico will help gather the necessary evidence, like pay stubs and tax records, to ensure you receive the full amount you're entitled to.

Disability Benefits

Workers' compensation provides payments for both temporary and permanent disabilities.

  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you can receive 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage until you're able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but cannot earn as much as before due to your injury, you may receive partial benefits.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injury leaves you permanently unable to work, you may be eligible for lifelong benefits.
  • Permanent Impairment Benefits (PIB): If you’ve sustained a permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity, you may receive benefits based on the degree of your impairment.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Help with transitioning to a new role if you cannot return to your previous job.

Unfortunately, securing these benefits can be complicated, which is why having an experienced workplace injury lawyer like Rico is essential.

Call Rico Now 561-801-8966

Common Issues in Workers' Compensation Claims

Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult, and many claims are denied or underpaid. Rico handles common issues, such as:

Denied Claims

Rico will file a petition for benefits on your behalf and work to secure the medical treatment and compensation you need.

Inadequate Compensation

If the benefits offered don’t cover your medical bills or lost wages, Rico will fight for full compensation.

Employer Retaliation

If you’ve been demoted, fired, or retaliated against for filing a claim, you may have grounds for a civil claim for damages based on wrongful termination.

Third-Party Liability

Rico will pursue additional compensation through third-party lawsuits if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury.

Rico’s Approach to Workers' Compensation Cases

Rico offers personalized, strategic representation for workplace injuries:

Thorough Case Evaluation

Rico will carefully review your injury and employment situation to identify all potential claims.

Skilled Negotiation

Rico negotiates with your employer’s insurance company to secure the full benefits you're entitled to.

Dedicated Representation

If your claim is denied or underpaid, Rico will take your case to court and present a strong argument for your recovery.

Why Trust Rico with Your Workers' Compensation Case?

Extensive Expertise

Rico's knowledge of workers' compensation law ensures he can handle even the most complex cases effectively.

Tailored Strategies

Rico develops personalized strategies specific to your injury and employment situation to maximize benefits.

Strong Advocacy

From filing claims to appealing denials, Rico works relentlessly to protect your rights and secure full compensation.

Client Success Stories

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“My Attorney was Rico Lively throughout my case he was excellent with gathering all information regarding my case. I always felt very confident. He was assertive when necessary and made me feel he was always in my corner.I was always kept informed and his paralegal went above and beyond to help me with answering all questions I had. The staff always very cordial and efficient getting messages to Mr Lively. I would highly recommend this firm and you can rest assure you will be in good hands . Thank you to the staff and to Mr Rico Lively”

Phyllis

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“Basically I was hit by two vehicles. I was hurt and really confused about what to do. Both the vehicles that hit me fled the scene and I didnt even think I had a case! But thanks to Rico Lively I was reassured in this process and given the opportunity to recover my losses. Thank you so much. I will refer as many people as I can to you and your firm. I never had an issue with communication and was always kept abreast of all proceedings.”

Lomar

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“I obtained Rico Lively's services in 2021 for a slip & fall that resulted in me having two surgeries. After having a few conversations with him on the phone, I knew I was dealing with a straight shooter who knew his field very well. Throughout the process Mr. Lively was compassionate, always kept in tough with me to let me know what was going on. I had lawyers in the past for a car accident and they could use more schooling from Rico. Rico is truly a diamond in the rough. You'd be silly not to get his services if you're injured. He truly understands these cases & 100 % will fight for you until you get what you deserve. He did it for me and delivered my check today. I can honestly say I am very happy with my amount. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to him today. I wanted to keep him for life and guaranteed I will go back running to him if I ever need his services again. I have already told friends in my area about him. He is worth every penny. He left an amazing impression on me. I will never forget his professionalism, kindness etc. He is an all around great human. Highly recommend!!!!! 100%”

Estrella

Thank you, Rico!

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“Choosing Rico Lively was the best decision we made. He and his team were knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. We can’t thank Rico enough. ”

Steve and Shari

Take Action Today

If you’ve been injured at work, don’t leave your future to chance. Rico is dedicated to ensuring you receive the full workers' compensation benefits you’re entitled to.

Call Rico Now 561-801-8966

FAQ’S

In Florida, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days. After that, you generally have up to two years to file a formal workers' compensation claim. Rico will help guide you through the process to make sure all deadlines are met and your claim is filed properly.

The compensation depends on the severity of your injury, the medical treatment required, and the time off work. Rico will help you pursue the maximum benefits allowed under the law, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Contact Rico immediately. He will review your case, gather additional evidence, and file a petition to help secure the benefits you're entitled to, including medical treatment and wage replacement.

No. But if a third party contributed to your injury, Rico can pursue additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit while also helping with your workers' compensation claim. This allows for recovery beyond workers' comp benefits, such as pain and suffering, which workers' comp does not cover.

No, workers' compensation cases are handled through administrative hearings rather than jury trials. A judge makes the decisions based on the evidence presented. Rico will represent you throughout this process, making sure your case is thoroughly presented to the judge.

The workers' compensation insurer usually selects the doctor who treats you. However, you have the right to request a one-time change of physician if you're not satisfied with the care you're receiving. If the insurer doesn’t approve the change within a set time, you may choose your own doctor, and their treatment will be covered if it's necessary for your recovery.

There’s also something called the “self-help” rule that allows you to seek your own initial treatment if the insurer fails to provide care after you've requested it. This applies only to your first treatment, and it must be necessary and related to your injury. If your care was wrongfully denied, you could be reimbursed for any treatment you had to get on your own.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point in your recovery where your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to improve your condition. Reaching MMI doesn’t mean you’re fully healed, but it means your injury has improved as much as it’s going to.

Once you’ve reached MMI, your workers' compensation case can change in several ways. Your doctor will assess whether you have any permanent impairments and whether you can return to your previous job or need additional support, like disability benefits or vocational rehabilitation. MMI can also affect the amount of future medical benefits and wage loss benefits you can receive.

Rico will work with you through this phase, making sure you understand how MMI impacts your case and what your options are moving forward.

If your employer wrongfully terminates you or retaliates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. Rico will help you take legal action to protect your rights and seek compensation for damages resulting from retaliation.

If your condition worsens after receiving workers' compensation benefits, you may be entitled to additional medical treatment or benefits. However, if your case has been settled, you generally cannot reopen the claim or receive further compensation.

Contact Rico Lively

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, Rico Lively is here to help. With his deep expertise, proven success, and client-centered approach, Rico will fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.